Urine is produced by the kidneys and it is composed of water and waste products from the body. The waste products include urea, creatinine, and electrolytes. Blood in the urine (hematuria) can be an indication of a medical condition and should be evaluated by a physician. Blood occurs in the urine quite rarely, but it can indicate a serious medical condition. The presence of red blood cells (RBCs) in the urine is called hematuria. Here are some reasons that cause blood in the urine.
Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are caused by bacteria that enter the urinary tract and travel up to the bladder. UTIs are more common in women than in men and can occur at any age. Symptoms of a UTI include pain or burning when urinating, frequent urination, cloudy or bloody urine, and pelvic pain. In some cases, a UTI can lead to a kidney infection, which can cause fever, chills, and nausea. If left untreated, a UTI can also lead to serious health complications.
One of the most common symptoms of a UTI is blood in the urine. This occurs when the bacteria irritate the lining of the urinary tract, causing it to bleed. Blood in the urine can be an indication of a more serious infection and should be evaluated by a doctor.
Kidney infection
Infection of the kidney, known as pyelonephritis, is a common cause of blood in the urine. The condition can be caused by a number of bacteria, and often develops after a urinary tract infection. Symptoms may include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, and pain in the back or side. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and rest. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove infected tissue.
Stones in the urinary tract
Stones in the urinary tract are common and can cause blood in the urine. The stones can be as small as a grain of sand or larger than a golf ball. Most stones pass through the urinary tract on their own, but some become stuck and need to be removed. If a stone blocks the flow of urine, it can cause damage to the kidney and lead to serious health problems.
Prostate problems
Most people think of cancer when they hear the word “prostate.” But there are a number of other problems that can affect this gland, including inflammation (prostatitis), enlargement (benign prostatic hyperplasia, or BPH), and cancer. Each of these conditions can cause blood in the urine.
Bladder cancer
In the United States, bladder cancer is the sixth most common type of cancer. It is estimated that there will be over 73,000 new cases of bladder cancer diagnosed in 2018. Bladder cancer can cause blood in the urine, which can be a sign that you have the disease.
Blood clots in the urinary tract
A blood clot in the urinary tract, also known as renal vein thrombosis, can cause blood in the urine. This occurs when a clot blocks the flow of blood to one or both kidneys. The main symptoms of renal vein thrombosis are a pain in the back and blood in the urine. Other potential symptoms include fever, nausea, and vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor right away.
Dehydration
Dehydration is a condition that develops when the body loses more fluids than it takes in. This can occur with extreme sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea. When dehydration occurs, the body’s cells and tissues lose water. This affects many organs in the body, including the kidneys. The kidneys are responsible for removing wastes and toxins from the blood. When they lose too much water, they can’t function properly. One of the signs of dehydration is blood in the urine.
Use of drugs or medications
Urine typically appears light yellow in color, but if blood is present then it will be a deep red or brown. Bright red urine may indicate that the blood is fresh, while brown urine may suggest that the blood has been present for some time. There are many possible causes of blood in the urine, including but not limited to urinary tract infection, kidney stones, enlarged prostate, and cancer. However, one of the most common causes is the use of drugs or medications.
Nervous system disorders
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most common bacterial infections in humans. The urinary tract is a pathway where urine travels from the kidneys to the bladder and out of the body. This system includes two kidneys, two ureters, the bladder, and the urethra. Urine is normally sterile, which means it does not contain bacteria or other organisms. However, bacteria can enter and cause a UTI. UTIs are more common in women than men because the female urethra is shorter than the male urethra. UTIs can cause blood in the urine (hematuria), pain during urination (dysuria), and a frequent urge to urinate (urinary urgency).
Rare diseases
One in 10 people is living with a rare disease, which often goes undiagnosed. A new study has found that one such disease can cause blood in the urine. The findings may help to improve the diagnosis of the disease, which currently affects an estimated 1.3 million people in Europe.